Virtual1 selects Opengear to deliver resiliency to its network operations

With a network spanning 180 cities and towns across the UK, Virtual1 is fast becoming the UK’s leading Digital Service Provider. Working exclusively for the wholesale markets, Virtual1 operates an advanced platform delivering high capacity, low latency networking which is also privately connected to market-leading UC, SIP and Cloud solutions.

Reliability is a vital attribute as Rich Adam, head of architecture for Virtual1 explains: “Our network reaches around 75% of UK businesses and the criticality of network and internet access means that any outage or disruption can be incredibly damaging. As such, we take monitoring, proactive maintenance and rapid problem resolution incredibly seriously.”

With major data centres located in the UK’s largest cities, Virtual1 also maintains hundreds of additional sites housing core routing and switching technology.

“We have traditionally used Cisco consoles server for remote management but our rapid growth required us to become more streamlined across areas such as cabling, space and power footprint,” explains Adam, “After looking at the market, Opengear offered us the best long-term option for out-of-band (OOB) connectivity - especially around flexibility.”

Working closely with Flow Communications, a highly regarded Opengear partner; Virtual1 has deployed a resilient OOB architecture that uses secondary DSL circuits and even traditional modems to provide a triple layer of resilient IP based accessibility to key switches, servers and PDUs across its network.

“Flow Communications provided everything from 32 port Opengear units at our main datacentres all the way down to 4 port models at smaller sites,” explains Adam.  “In terms of day-to-day usage, alongside out-of-band console server, we also use the Opengear devices for port mirroring during diagnostic activities.  Over the years, Opengear has proven incredibly reliable and robust when it has been called upon.”

The Virtual1 core network comprises over 350 routers and switches deployed nationwide providing service via Gigabit and 10Gb ports passing 7.5M premises, delivering a potential 15Tbps of capability. This infrastructure is supplemented with the 300th recently installed Opengear ACM7000 Remote Site Gateway appliance.

“We have consistently delivered industry leading services through our innovative architecture and partner centric approach,” says Adam, “and our investing in network management technologies such as Opengear is part of a long-term commitment to ensure that we continue to meet our customers’ expectation for the best price, performance and reliability.”

Alan Stewart Brown, VP sales EMEA for Opengear added, “Virtual1 is a fantastic example of a market leader that recognises the importance of always-on availability. Opengear is delighted that Virtual1 chose our technology to deliver the scalability and flexibility they need – whether it’s a major data centre or smallest remote site.”